6 Health Benefits of Onions.

Six Health Benefits of Onions.

The post introduces onion as a vegetable, a staple in the culinary system of many civilizations and describes its nutritional contents and health benefits.

This is my post for the letter O of the Blog chatter A2Z writing challenge in April, for the letter N here. 

Do you know that onion is the third most important vegetable in the world, after Spinach and Kale? 

Onion is an ancient food source known to have originated more than 5000 years ago in central Asia and is a staple in the culinary system of all civilizations.  Ancient Egyptians had a spiritual meaning in onions' concentric rings symbolizing eternal life, and they got to worship it. 

Onion is a generic term that represents several pungent members of the genus Allium, including common onion, chives, scallions, garlic, leek, and others.  The varieties of onions depend on the planting methods and propagation, such as yellow onions, shallots, and large, red, sweet onions. 

Some may have side effects from eating onions, such as bloating, cramps or diarrhoea.  Another side effect is eye irritation and eye-tearing.  Because certain gases in them are released, which activates the neurons in your eye, causing a stinging sensation, and the tears are a mechanism to flush out the irritant.

Health Benefits of Eating Onions.

Nutritional values.

Row onions are low in calories.   

One hundred grams of fresh onions contain 40 calories.

• Water 89%. 
• Protein 1,1 grams. 
• Carbs 9,3 grams. 
• Sugar 4,2 grams. 
• Fibre 1,7 grams, and 
• Fat 0,1 grams. 
• It also contains fair amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C, B vitamins, Folate (B9), vitamin B6, potassium, etc.  The plant elements in onions are anthocyanins, only found in red onions; quercetin, a powerful antioxidant; sulphur compounds that can protect against cancer; Thio sulfinates etc.

Health Benefits.

1.  It may benefit heart health.

The antioxidants and compounds in onions fight inflammation and may reduce cholesterol and heart disease risk. 

2.  It may reduce cancer risks. 

A diet rich in onion may have a protective effect against certain cancers.

3.  It may help control blood sugar.

The beneficial nutrients present in onions may help reduce high blood sugar.

4.  Eating onions may support strong bones.  

It may reduce oxidative stress, boost antioxidant levels, decrease bone loss, and increase bone density.

5.  Have antibacterial properties.

Onions have shown the ability to extinct the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in your body.

6.  Onions may boost digestive health.

Onions are a rich source of prebiotics that can help boost digestive health and improve bacteria in your gut that are important in enhancing your immune system.

Some Uses of Onions.

This versatile root vegetable can be used in foods in unlimited ways.

Onions, cooked or raw, provide favour and taste to savoury dishes.

Used as an excellent garnish atop cooked foods like biriyani and kormas in Indian and Mughal dishes. 

Sauteed onions are essential for cooking meat, fish, pulses, and vegetables.

Thinned slices of red onions add flavour and embellishments to your favourite salads.

Make a fibre-rich salad with chickpeas, red onions, and colourful bell peppers.

Conclusion.

Onion is the third most crucial root vegetable after Spinach and Kale.  The use of this vegetable is perfectly justified when you learn about its versatility in nutritional contents and its health benefits.  In what all ways do you use this vegetable in your kitchen?

The post introduces onion as a vegetable, a staple in the culinary system of many civilizations and describes its nutritional contents and health benefits.

This post is for the letter O in the series of my A2Z blog posts, lasting for the entire month and is part of the A2Z Blog chatter challenge.  To read earlier posts, click on these letters.  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N

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